We have been doing a lot of simulation lately and we are now following the initial simulation up with physical testing of initial production parts. Seeing the simulation proven out right or wrong and what that means and what we learn from those experiences is always interesting. So it seems like time to discuss what happens when a force acts on an object. Thanks to John Kuprenas and his great book, 101 Things I Learned in Engineering School for the following:
An object that receives a force will remain stationary, move, or change shape or a combination of the three. Mechanical engineering generally seeks to exploit movement, while structural engineering seeks to prevent or minimize it. Nearly all engineering disciplines aim to minimize changes in the shape of the designed object.
